Beverage holder that inserts into the top of a winch on a sailboat

ABSTRACT

A container holding device arranged for being removably inserted into the winch handle receptacle in the top of a sailboat winch. The housing is comprised of an upper larger section for holding larger containers and a lower smaller section for holding smaller containers. The lower section having through holes for draining. Extending vertically underneath the lower section is a box-like protrusion shaped to fit into a winch handle receptacle in the top of a sailboat winch.

CROSS-REFERENCES

[0001] A provisional patent was filed on Jan. 3, 2000. The provisional patent application number is No. 60/174,156.

DESCRIPTION FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to drink holders. Particularly of the type as may be mounted on sailing vessels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Sailboats employ many different means to secure a beverage while at sea. Some beverage holders are attached to the exterior of bulkheads or cockpit seats and in these examples are additionally gimbaled to prevent spillage. Others are affixed to railing by means of a clamping system. In both examples these holders, because of the nature of sailing, are in the way. While operating a sailboat there is much crew movement. The aforementioned beverage holders are often kicked or backed into resulting in damage to the device.

[0004] From the foregoing discussion it is apparent that a need exists for a beverage holder which is in a place, such as on top of a winch, where crew and guests are unlikely to displace, damage, or otherwise disturb the device or beverage which it contains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A beverage holder which inserts into the top of a sailing winch is disclosed. Sailing winches have a receptacle on the top for the use of a winch handle. Said receptacles are almost universally of the same dimensions. Other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0006]FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the present invention;

[0007]FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Referring to the drawing, a device is designated generally by the numeral 10. The device may be constructed from any conventional material, but a plastic material which is environmentally stabilized to resist harsh sun and sea conditions, including ultraviolet light, is preferred.

[0009] The device is composed generally of a drink holder housing 11 and a box shaped protrusion 15 at the bottom. The housing 11 includes an upper section 14 and a lower section 13. Section 13 is designed to accommodate a typical beverage container such as a can, cup, glass or bottle. Section 13 includes holes 12 to aid in draining water. Section 14 is designed to accommodate larger containers.

[0010] Protrusion 15 is shaped to insert into the winch handle receptacle on the top of a sailboat winch.

[0011] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A container holding device arranged for being removably mounted into the winch handle receptacle in the top of a sailboat winch comprising: a housing with an upper section, a lower section and a bottom protrusion; said housing adapted to support a separate drink container, being formed of said upper section being disposed to a lower section, said upper section being larger than said lower section; said lower section containing through holes to facilitate draining; said bottom protrusion being disposed vertically down from the underside of said lower section so that said container holding device can be affixed into said winch handle receptacle. 